Thursday, April 16, 2009

Many Anglophiles no doubt are introduced to the green and pleasant land that is England via the works of the incomparable Agatha Christie. Through her unique and lovable characters, intricate plots and lovely settings, it's impossible not to become enchanted.

Next month, a classic collection of tales featuring the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot will be released by Acorn Media. Set one includes the episodes:

The Disappearance of Mr. DavenheimThe Veiled LadyThe Lost MineThe Cornish MysteryDouble SinThe Adventure of the Cheap FlatThe Kidnapped Prime MinisterThe Adventure of the Western StarHow Does Your Garden Grow?

These episodes feature the wonderfully talented David Suchet as the fussy, fastidious and always sharply dressed Poirot. Whether he is cooking, playing Monopoly or pet sitting for a testy parrot, Poirot is nonetheless able to effortlessly apply his "little gray cells" and quickly solve whatever mystery comes his way. It is quite amusing to see his reactions to his baffled colleagues as they struggle with solving the cases. Poirot is both pleased to explain how simple the solution was for him and at the same time somewhat exasperated that it isn't obvious to everyone else. Hugh Fraser is wonderful as Poirot's assistant Hastings, and Phillip Jackson is very entertaining as the perpetually puzzled Inspector Japp.

I have been fortunate to preview this new release, and I can report that the stories, settings and acting are all superb!

Wonderful news: Acorn Media is generously providing three copies of Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Classic Collection, Vol. 1. to my readers. To enter, simply leave a comment stating your favorite British TV show (past or present!). You will be helping me to discover great new British programs that I might have missed! You have until midnight eastern time on Saturday April 25 to enter. On Sunday, April 26, I will randomly choose 3 winners and notify them. You will have 48 hours to respond with your shipping address, or I will have to choose another winner. Make sure that you include your email address in your comments or in your profile (if you have a blog), so that I will have a way to contact you. Due to shipping costs, this contest is only valid in the U.S.

Good luck, and I hope the winners will come back with a post about how they enjoyed the series!

Final Verdict for Agatha Christie's Poirot: The Classic Collection, Vol. 1:Five Gherkins, for bringing to life one of the most intriguing characters in fiction in a charming and unforgettable manner!

All shows mentioned are among my favorites. I love the British comedies, dramas, and specials. The Prisoner and Secret Agent (Danger Man) were wonderful. Two oldies that I started off with are Blake's 7 and The Sandbaggers. Absolutely wonderful!!!

Having returned from the UK less than a year ago after living there for 5 years I dearly miss not only the comedy but the murder mysteries. Poirot, Holmes et al. One of my favorites was Midsomer Murders which was just beginning its 10th season. John Nettles is a detective par excellance. While CSI and NCIS here in US are enjoyable watching they lack the British touch for murder most foul. Hoping Midsomer Murders and more of Agatha Christie will surface on US telly soon but am not going to hold my breath.

I love The IT Crowd.. I've found that it's practically a gateway drug if you want to get someone interested in British comedy (same for The Mighty Boosh for people who tend toward bizarre comedy). I also have a soft spot in my heart for QI because of Stephen Fry.

That's a tough one. I'd say my favorite British TV of all Time is Yes, Minister (and Yes, Prime Minister). I've watched it all the way through at least 4 times now and it still make me roll around laughing.

Hmmm...in the late '80s, my fave was "The Young Ones," which aired on MTV and starred Rik Mayall (of "Drop Dead Fred" movie fame).During college years, I loved "To the Manor Born," about a woman who has to move into a small house on the ancient family property, due to money woes. (At the end of the series, she marries the rich man who bought the manor.)I am a big fan of "Keeping Up Appearances," but wish there were more episodes of it available to viewers in my area.

There are several. Monty Python's Flying Circus was probably my favorite. I loved the mystery theatre on public tv that the Brits put out. Are You Being Served? was just good for a guffaw. Yes, Minister was one of our favorites, but we did not see many episodes of it. I don't know if they did not make many or if they just kept showing the same ones over and over. Keeping Up Appearances was sometimes funny and sometimes I just couldn't watch it. I had to be in the right mood for that one. Mr. Bean (I don't know the real name of it) was an absolute scream. I could go on and on. I love the Brit Coms. Do send over the Poirot set. I promise to take good care of it!

I think I've got to go with either the original version of "The Office" or "Extras," both of which star Ricky Gervais, the master of awkward situational humor and absurdist, everyday obsrvations. I think these shows are re-defining British comedy, and both are simply hilarious, well-written programs with unique, well-drawn characters. Thanks for the giveaway!

About Me

I'm a librarian who is interested in all things British. I try to visit London as often as possible, and am always planning my next trip. I lived in Sweden for a few years with my Swedish husband, so the occasional Swedish reference may occur . . .